Conundrum with my new Rad, opinions?

[CRGRS 66]

Received my new rad, and have a couple of issues. The top and bottom tank are both wider than the original, and the overall rad is narrower than the original. I think I am fine to trim the rubber on the two bottom brackets, but the top brackets would need trimming, along with the rubbers in order for it to work. See the pics where there is space between the rad and the support to rad seals. Should I center it? Should I mount it to one side and fill the other side with some square tubing, or angle, or should send this thing back?

[CRGRS 66]

side pics (files are kind of big, new nikon SLR)

[Joemomma1]

I would send it back if it was advertised as an oe replacement w/ same fitiment. I would think I paid enough money on it not to have another project.

[Clyde65]

Ill second that Joemomma1!

[1963c-10]

I had the same issue. I just opened up my top mount about 1/4" and slid right on. Did the same for the bottoms. Took 5 min and been running fine for 3 years

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

I had the same issue. I just opened up my top mount about 1/4" and slid right on. Did the same for the bottoms. Took 5 min and been running fine for 3 years

Did you have the same width issue? I haven't measured exactly, but the new one seems about 1-1/2" narrower.

Part of me wants to send it back, the other part of me wants to be driving the truck and not waiting for another rad. I have a call in to the vendor, waiting on a call back.

[Rich 5150 69]

Then this thread probably dictates the size...that we are all getting, does not seem to be a problem though, I`ve already bought some alum sheet to bend and install if front ( seal off the high pressure side of rad ) when I have the rad out next time...the top plate as I said opened up the spacing maybe 1/8 th inch and used 3/16 inside diameter tubing cut to fit the raised area of the bracket and all the way from front to back and eliminated the stock rubber ( to hard to cut ).

[1963c-10]

I removed the 6cyl metal shroud so I wasn't worried about reinstalling it. My champion radiator is a little large than the stock radiator. But it doesn't bother me. I opened up the mounts a little and everything fit together so I just never worried about it. Im going to a big block in the fall, but cooling wont be an issue. I definitely dont have any colloing issues with the radiator on the 6, if anything...runs a little cool due to the size.

[CRGRS 66]

I am going to go with joemamma, and clyde's suggestion, I am sending it back. I found a rad shop nearby who will re-core my rad for around $300.00. I am sure the chinese aluminum will do a great job of cooling, but A) I don't want to cut the mounting brackets, and have a rad that just does not fit. B) I will be supporting my local economy the core will be made in nearby Hamilton (our steel town), and the tanks will be soldered on in nearby Waterloo (the home of Blackberry/Rim). Not to mention I will be keeping the truck all that more original.

[Rich 5150 69]

Hey by all means....I won`t argue with you, my problen was they wanted almost 400 to do mine...but I live in Calif...

[1963c-10]

I didnt have to cut my brackets. But they also wanted $400 to recore my original Harrison. You have to do whats easiest for you.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Joemomma1

I would send it back if it was advertised as an oe replacement w/ same fitiment. I would think I paid enough money on it not to have another project.

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Ill second that Joemomma1!

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

Hey by all means....I won`t argue with you, my problen was they wanted almost 400 to do mine...but I live in Calif...

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

I didnt have to cut my brackets. But they also wanted $400 to recore my original Harrison. You have to do whats easiest for you.

To all, thank you for your input.
I have only been here for a little over a month and have found the help and advice so far to be invaluable.
Craigerrr